As a Scot, there's were some elements of this romantic comedy that I adored and others that made me cringe. I get the impression that Logan was inspired by someone like Outlander's Jamie Fraser. This is something I had to remind myself, as I found his vernacular (for example: “Och, lass") reminiscent of one of my granddad's mates down the pub rather than a muscular, passionate, kilt wearing adonis. I personally found it a bit jarring at times.

That being said, I definitely had a soft-spot for our brooding tour guide and the chemistry between him and Addie was palpable from the very first chapter. I did find our FMC a little frustrating at times. I understand she was still healing, however, I felt she often came across as bitter and self-destructive. I also would have loved to have read a proper reconciliation with her father rather than a few lines tagged on in the epilogue.

On the surface, Kilt Trip is an enjoyable romantic comedy, however, it's also about appreciating and finding solace in our past through sharing stories and making meaningful connections, which I found really comforting and uplifting. Even though it lent heavily into some stereotypes, I did love how this book read like a love letter to Scotland. It really captured the beauty the Highlands and Edinburgh's rich history.

I loved this! rivals to lvoers is one of my favourite tropes and this delivered on every front!! the added lowborn where he falls first was the cherry on top it was so good. the spice was exquisit and just the perfect amount!

the book talked about some really emotional topics as well which allowed me to connect to these characters on a much deeper level. trigger warnings apply! it was short and sweet and so perfect with the scenery being set in Scotland.

can't recommend this enough as a quick and perfect read! a stunning debut novel with lots of character and romance.

A really lovely story with beautiful, detailed descriptions of Edinburgh. for someone who has travelled to the city, it was a lovely way of remembering different parts! I

This was a love letter to Scotland - the authors love for the country really shone through. As well as a lot of historical facts that came through in such an easy way. I want to book a tour of Scotland immediately with Logan at the helm, in his kilt.

What to expect:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Mistaken Identity
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Insta Love
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Slow Burn
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Found Family
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Lots of historical information

The couple Addie and Logan fell deeply it was an insta love but slow burn kind of vibe. My only criticism of the book is that I didn't fell super connected to the characters, especially Addie. So I felt the book lag in places. This is obviously personal to me. Their relationship was full of miscommunication and unspoken words, and I just wanted to get back to the authors amazing descriptions on Scotland.

I would recommend reading this book if you love Scotland and want to to learn more about it alongside a romance that touches on topics of wanderlust, grief and the importance of finding where you belong.

3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Will be sharing in my socials near publication day.

Thank you to Bonnier Books and Alexandra Kiley for allowing me to review Kilt Trip in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was so excited to get approved for Kilt Trip, I have been counting down the days for its release since Kindle suggested it as a book I might like. So, was it worth the wait?
First meeting sparks; crackling electricity of enemies to lovers with a slow burn tightrope walk between the blurry lines of hate and love, plunging into all-consuming passionate (and wee spicy) romance. Check and check. I knew five chapters in this was going to be a romance to gobble up in one sitting but gird your loins lassies for it’s a slow burn, up-hill romance.

Alexandra Kiley wrote a masterful plot full of longing, healing journeys of discovery and forgiveness, hooking me in for a swoony romance set between two well-developed, relatable characters set in one of my favourite countries (my native Scotland) and topped with the cherry of a kilted MMC. The plot’s a slow development over a couple of months with lots of tension and resistance – this makes the pacing a little slow after a big bang opening, a few readers might find this off-putting, but there is a deliberate purpose to this. Subtly building trust and friendship between the protagonists, Logan and Addie. I kept turning the pages with a knowing smile because I could see this chess strategy at play in each chapter allowing the root of romance to take hold alongside the spark of attraction.

The writing does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Scotland – her mystery, magic, and rich historical & clan heritage. I appreciated the realism of how life is in Scotland – it’s not all kilts, ceilidhs, wild mountain landscapes, and dreamy days. It can be cold, dreik and with the housing crisis depressing. The little local facts and nuggets of history woven into the story allowed Scotland to come alive on the page vividly, but honestly.

A charming cast of loveable characters fills the pages of Kilt Trip – beautifully brought to life with real emotional depth, personal struggle, and self-doubt. You feel every emotion and can easily relate to the character ARC journeys of both Addie and Logan as they open up to one another after their personality clashes and antics. The way all the characters engage caught my heart – you can’t help but get tangled up with Logan's character whose purpose is to share joy and build deep connections between people and places (when he’s not being a stubborn Bawbag, there is a kilted man with a protector instinct and heart of gold).

If you are a romance lover with a thing for Scots, Kilt Trip should be on your TBR. Romance readers, I know there is one burning question on your minds. Is Logan a natural Scotsman under the plaid of his kilt? Well, I don’t do spoilers, you’ll have to read Kilt Trip for yourself to find out.

Addie is a travel consultant who finds herself in Scotland when she's sent on assignment to help a failing tour company in Edinburgh. The tour company is a family run tour company. Addie wants to focus on her job however, Logan does not want Scotland to turn into some tourist trap! This leads them both to clashing. However, Logan learns about Addie's connection to Scotland through some photos of Addie's mum.
After discovering this, Logan takes Addie on a private tour to all the places in these photos. Addie finds herself falling for Logan but knows her contact is ending soon which means they have to confront their feelings.

Kilt trip is a great holiday read and great for enemies to lovers. There is a little bit of spice but is a slow burn (really slow) so if that is what you are looking for this book is for you!
I do feel as though it was VERY Scottish which I didn't always vibe with and as I said, is a slow burn which I am not always into but that is a preference of mine!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Views are my own.

‘Kilt Trip’ by Alexandra Kiley is an emotional and spicy romance set across beautiful Scottish landscapes and lesser known attractions. The main characters are Boston-based travel consultant Addie who feels rootless and is drawn to an Edinburgh assignment because her late mother and distant father honeymooned there, and tour guide Logan who looks fantastic in a kilt and throws himself into off-the-beaten-track itineraries. While they both feel instant attraction, Logan is reluctant to indulge Addie’s commercialistic ideas and Addie may just have told a few white lies… setting off a brilliant enemies-to-lovers tale.

I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, the way they opened up to each other and the realistic conflict. Addie’s Polaroids added a gorgeous layer to the narrative, and there was enough humour and joy to offset the sadness permeating many of the pages.

At its heart it’s a story of sharing joy with others, finding yourself and forming deep connections with people and places, and I really enjoyed it!

I received an advance copy from the publisher for review consideration. Opinions my own.

Title: Kilt Trip By Alexandra Kiley

Release Date: May,23rd 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

"Kilt Trip" by Alexandra Kiley takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. With its charming characters and humorous plot twists, this novel is a perfect escape for anyone craving a romantic adventure.

Addie Macrae, a globetrotting travel consultant, finds herself in Scotland on assignment to assist a struggling family-run tour company. Initially resistant to the idea of exploring her Scottish roots, Addie focuses on her job, much to the chagrin of Logan Sutherland, who runs the company. As they clash over tourist traps and Loch Ness myths, Logan learns of Addie's personal connection to Scotland through her late mother's Polaroids.
In a bid for peace, Logan creates a private tour based on the photos, leading Addie to unexpected discoveries and a growing attraction between them. However, with Addie's contract ending soon and financial pressures mounting, they must confront their feelings amidst the enchantment of Scotland's hidden gems.

From the clash of personalities between Addie and Logan to the heartwarming exploration of Addie's Scottish roots, this story had me engaged until the end.

Tropes:

Scottish, Kilt wearing MMC ;)
Enemies to Lovers
Hidden Past
Romantic Comedy

This story is a delightful and heartwarming read from start to finish

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre, Alexandra Kiley & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I DNF this book at 43%

I was enjoying it. However, it was a lot of detail, for me personally. Also, I felt the romance was moving too slowly for my liking.

Readers who enjoy a slow romance and an atmospheric book will enjoy this one. I don't think I'm the target audience for this one unfortunately.

This book was a lovely surprise. I was expecting to like it but not nearly as much as I did. I ended up really rooting for Logan and Addie. It’s rare that I connect with all of the characters in the way I did with this book. The character development happens in a way that doesn’t feel forced although the animosity at the start did feel a bit over the top.
There is a little spice but not too much. It was a perfect level for this book.
Scotland is a country that I love to visit and got a chance to do so as I was reading. It’s inspired me to go back again and check out some of the off the beaten path places.
Bring on the audiobook. I can’t wait to hear Logan to get the full force of his charm.

There are a couple of trigger warnings particularly surrounding grief and loss of a parent. These are handled very sensitively.

Kilt trip was such a gorgeous romance novel set in beautiful Scotland! I absolutely loved every minute. It was about finding oneselve and features fun and romance along the way! I will be sharing much more soon. I apologize I'm slowly getting caught up on reviews due to an unexpected health issues. This would make a beautiful rom com as well

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Views are my own.

There are at least three tropes in this story: enemies to lovers, forced proximity and insta-love. One would have been enough, to be honest.

Addie is an American travel consultant, Logan is a Scottish travel tour operator living in Edinburgh. Much to his chagrin, his Dad hires Addie to turn the company's fortunes around. Weirdly enough, she stays for weeks on end, right through Christmas and New Year. I don't know any consultant who would do that. Also, she calls her wheelie luggage Frank. Who calls their wheelie luggage Frank? Actually, who calls their wheelie luggage anything? She is also still deep in grief over her mother's death and her father's retreat from society on account thereof. Her mother died sometime between 10 - 13 years ago - the book is a bit unclear about that. In comparison, Logan only has some business hangups, but for my liking he's a bit too needy regarding Addie.

The book is about those two spending time with each other each trying to convince the other of their vision for the business. Logan also helps finding locations from photographs Addie's mother took in Scotland. They also find time for sexy time - the first sexual encounter is three chapters long! Good to see young people enjoying themselves, murmurs the middle-aged reviewer.

The Scottishness is ramped up to the max, with frequent mentions of hairy coos, bawbags and lasses. Luckily only one ken and no didnae's or wouldnae's whatsoever.

The story is solid but not extraordinary - it doesn't particularly make me want to visit Edinburgh, but maybe the story is geared more towards American fans of Outlander. I'm not sure I would want to read the author's next book.

Fancy a travel to Scotland without leaving the comfort of your home? Alexandra Kiley's got your back!
Kilt Trip is such a beautiful story. Scotland is not only Addie's work trip destination, but also the place that her mom loved the most, before she passed away. Edinburgh becomes a trip down the memory lane of Addie's mother's favorite place, while Addie navigates the grief of losing her mom, and dealing with growing pesky feelings towards kilt-wearing tour guide extraordinaire, Logan.
Logan's love for his country is so evident in his firm belief that his tours should remain a way for his guests to connect to the history and folklore of Scotland, and not remain a tourist-trap.
The way that the author weaves all of that, along with the rich history and beautiful landscapes of Edinburgh is truly a love letter to Scotland. I've never felt this immersed into landscapes. The author's description of Scotland made it feel like I was there.
And seeing Addie and Logan fall in love? I connected to Addie's personality more, and surprisingly enough, Logan's emotions grabbed all of my attention. He soothed her, and I could feel every bit of it. The author paints those emotions with so much longing that it came off the pages beautifully.
And just so you know, the last line had me 🫠.

Thank you to for the ARC. Can't wait to add this one to my shelves.